Before and after school care at home

Working parents of primary school children who need cover around school hours and during professional development days.

Weekly or monthly fee per child for set days, plus daily rates for school holidays and professional development days.

• Friendly and firm with school-age children
• Reliable timekeeping for school runs
• Organizing snacks, homework and activities

• Rules differ by province and municipality, and Quebec has its own system, so confirm with your provincial child care regulator before you start taking children
• Check your insurance covers child care, including children walking to and from school
• Winter weather, school closures and snow days affect pick-up plans, so have clear policies
• Income is lower than full-day care and tied to the school calendar, so plan for quiet months
• Check with your municipality whether a home-based business licence or zoning approval is required
• A police record check may be expected by parents or required, so verify

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $500 to $2,500, depending on the snacks, games, homework supplies and safety items you need. The estimates assume at least about 12 hours a week around school hours.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $600 to $3,000, depending on how many children you take and your fees. These are revenue estimates, and income is tied to the school calendar, so plan for quieter months.

Check with your provincial child care regulator, as rules differ by province and municipality and Quebec has its own system. Also check your insurance covers child care, whether a home-based business licence or zoning approval applies, and police record check requirements.